Why is Travel Insurance Necessary?

We travel but don't always take travel insurance. We constantly question whether travel insurance is necessary. The answer is that life is uncertain, and we are exposed to risks when we travel. These risks can be medical, related to luggage, or even documents. Therefore, it is essential to cover the possible risks when we travel to enjoy a hassle-free journey. Travel insurance can help you stay financially covered. 

 

What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance covers losses, and costs related to travel. It helps protect those who travel abroad or domestically. Several companies selling travel packages or tickets also offer travel insurance plans. Some travel insurance plans cover costs of rental cars, rented equipment, personal property damage, and even ransom. 

 

Travel insurance typically covers various items, with key inclusions being:

 

• Interruption coverage or trip cancellation
• Personal effects and baggage coverage
• Flight accident coverage
• Accidental death coverage
• Medical expense coverage

 

The travel insurance coverage includes emergency services 24/7, like re-booking cancelled flights, cash wire assistance, and replacement of lost passports. 

 

Types of Travel Insurance

You can broadly categorise travel insurance policies as domestic or international ones. Some companies offer a single trip policy, while others offer multiple trips.

 

Here are a few different types of travel insurance policies:

1. Single-trip Policy :

This type of travel insurance policy covers only one specific trip.

 

2. Multi-Trip Policy :

People who often travel can benefit from the multi-trip policy. This policy extends to longer periods and for multiple trips.

 

3. Educational Policy :

Students who travel for educational trips can avail of this travel insurance policy. It extends to 30-45 days usually. 

 

4. Group Policy:

You can take a group policy when there are many travellers. There is a cap on the maximum number of people covered in a group policy. 

 

Travel Insurance Benefits

The following are the significant benefits of travel insurance :

1. Delay/Cancellation Benefits

The travel insurance company will reimburse the cost if the trip is delayed or cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. The delay or cancellation might be due to strikes, weather conditions, or other reasons. You will get additional benefits such as food, clothing, access to toilets, etc.

 

2. Luggage Benefits

This travel insurance policy covers baggage loss costs. The reason might be theft, burglary, or loss. Such travel insurance policies help cover the losses of personal belongings, cash, important documents, passports, and bags. You can also cover the luggage cost during a mishap, such as an emergency evacuation. 

 

3. Medical Benefits

The travel insurance policy covers hospitalisation charges and medical fees. The policy covers any injuries, illnesses, or medical emergencies while travelling. The inclusions are ambulance and hospitalisation cost coverage, among others. Empanelled hospitals provide cashless hospitalisation. You can claim hospitalisation or medical costs reimbursement for disability or death of the insured. 

 

Importance of Travel Insurance: Financial Coverage

Travel insurance is necessary because it provides cover against loss of personal belongings, checked-in baggage, passport, etc. It provides a layer of financial protection if you have travel insurance. While we can take any number of precautions, accidents do happen, and we cannot always control what happens. 

 

Here is the importance of travel insurance:

Personal Accident Coverage

You can get compensation for permanent disability or accidental death in a personal accident.

 

Loss of Documents Like Passport Expense Coverage

The insured gets reimbursed for the expenses of obtaining a new or duplicate passport if he loses it. 

 

Sickness Coverage

While we take all measures to stay healthy and have good, planned trips, it is not always that things go according to plan. It can cost you a lot of money if you fall sick while travelling. You might face a financial imbalance if you need to pay for the medical charges or hospitalisation. Opting for a travel insurance plan is best to stay safe from mishaps.

 

Other Benefits

Many other benefits make travel insurance important. Such as:

 

1. Personl liability

2. Hijack distress allowance

3. Delay of checked baggage

4. Loss of Checked baggage

5. Repatriation

6. Loss of personal documents

7. Emergency dental treatment

 

Exclusions

There are times when travel insurance plans do not provide coverage. These can be when: 

 

• You are under the influence of alcohol or drugs and lose your luggage or hurt yourself.
• Costs related to cosmetic surgeries, homeopathy, and Ayurvedic treatment are not covered.
• Most policies will not cover pre-existing health problems or illnesses. HIV-related issues are also not covered. 
• No coverage if there is indulgence in adventure sports, suicide, or self-inflicted injury.
• You will not get coverage if you leave your documents or belongings unattended, and they get lost. 

 

Conclusion

A travel insurance plan varies according to the coverage and exclusions. It is essential to read all the inclusions, exclusions, and terms and conditions to understand the travel insurance policy that you will be purchasing. We suggest you compare a few policies by different insurance providers, such as Niva Bupa, before zeroing down on one. It is always advisable to keep yourself financially secure by investing in a health insurance policy . Also, be aware of the premium you would be paying.